Beyond the Pale Ottawa Review – Surprisingly Good Ribs in a Great Patio Setting – Average EV Score: 8/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Beyond the Pale Restaurant Overview
Beyond the Pale is one of Ottawa’s most recognizable breweries. It’s known first and foremost for its beers and its very large patio, which makes it a go-to spot in the summer. The patio is spacious, dotted with long communal tables and string lights, giving it a relaxed, social vibe. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for after-work drinks, weekend hangs, or casual group outings.
Parking here is not a problem, which is a welcome change compared to many Ottawa restaurants. There’s a large lot right outside, and I’ve never had trouble finding a space even during busy times. Inside, the restaurant has a fair amount of seating, including an upstairs area, so there’s usually a spot whether you’re coming in with a small group or a larger crowd.
A few years back, Beyond the Pale used to partner with Smoque Shack, which served some of the best BBQ food in the city. Back then, it felt like you could come here for both excellent food and great drinks. Unfortunately, that partnership ended, and since then the food has gone downhill. The current offerings are serviceable but nowhere near the quality of what they used to have. Now, people primarily come here for the drinks, atmosphere, and patio — not for the food.
To keep things lively, Beyond the Pale often runs special events like bingo nights, trivia, or even sea shanty sing-alongs. These add an extra layer of fun to the already energetic vibe. Ordering and paying is handled through a QR code on the table, which keeps things efficient and low-maintenance.
Overall, Beyond the Pale is a place you visit for the experience and drinks rather than a destination for a memorable meal.
Would return?: For the patio and drinks, definitely. For food—maybe, but only for the ribs.
1/2 Rack of Ribs with Fries & Coleslaw
😋 Enjoyment: 8/10
💰 Price Paid: $24
🎯 Benchmark Price: $24
📊 EV Score: 8/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The ribs were the one dish that stood out. They were tender, as ribs should be, and generously coated in a tangy, flavourful sauce. While they weren’t destination-worthy on their own, they worked well in the context of enjoying a beer on the patio.
The fries were fine, slightly crispy with a decent texture but nothing special. The small scoop of coleslaw was average, though the addition of pickles on top added a surprisingly fresh contrast that made it more enjoyable. Altogether, the dish wasn’t amazing, but it did its job, and if I were eating here again, the ribs would be the only thing I’d consider reordering.
Final Thoughts
Beyond the Pale shines as one of Ottawa’s best spots for casual drinks on a big patio. The location in City Centre makes it convenient, the parking lot removes the usual stress of finding a spot, and the mix of indoor and outdoor seating gives it flexibility year-round. Add in the regular events and the laid-back atmosphere, and it’s no wonder the place stays busy.
Where it falls short is the food. When Smoque Shack was part of the operation, Beyond the Pale offered some of the best BBQ in Ottawa. Now, the menu feels like an afterthought. The ribs were decent, but most other options lack the flavour or quality to justify choosing this as a food destination. It’s a shame, because the brewery itself provides such a great backdrop that strong food could have made this one of the top places in the city.
If you’re heading to Beyond the Pale, go with the right mindset. Don’t expect a standout meal. Instead, expect a great selection of beers, a massive patio that’s perfect for summer evenings, and a lively atmosphere that makes it a fun place to hang out. The food might be a step down from what it once was, but the drinks, events, and overall vibe keep it worth visiting.